Homes in southeast Edmonton were damaged and a vehicle in a garage destroyed in a fire Monday night which officials said was sparked by Diwali fireworks.

Setting off fireworks and firecrackers is common during the Hindu festival of lights, Diwali, which started on Monday and will continue to be celebrated on Tuesday.

The fire broke out just after 8:30 p.m. at a townhouse complex near 25 Avenue and 24 Street in the Silver Berry neighbourhood.

Police said fireworks were launched from a backyard, and sparks landed on a row of townhomes, setting them on fire.

Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said crews arrived on scene five minutes after the 911 call to find flames along the rear exterior of a two-storey townhouse.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 9:07 p.m. There were no

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